Age of the Character
Your pocket lexicon
The take
The Age of the Character is the tell that platforms now reward persona and entertainment value over actual expertise, costing us genuine intellectual honesty in public debate.
Why it matters
When algorithms prioritize engagement, public figures are incentivized to become caricatures, turning discourse into a spectacle where the most entertaining lie often wins over nuanced truth.
The note
Online platforms, from YouTube to X, are built to reward engagement. This algorithmic reality means public figures are incentivized to craft a 'character' - a simplified, often controversial, persona - because controversy and entertainment drive clicks and ad revenue far more reliably than nuanced expertise. Mainstream media often frets about 'disinformation,' blaming bad actors for spreading falsehoods. But the deeper issue is that platforms actively reward performative 'characters' who prioritize engagement over verifiable truth, making intellectual honesty a disadvantage in the race for attention. It's not just bad info, it's the incentive structure. This creates a financial incentive for public figures to become caricatures, competing for audience attention and ad revenue. The personally responsible move is to recognize when you're watching a performance designed for clicks, rather than listening to a genuine expert. Look past the character to the actual substance, or lack thereof.
In the wild
Receipts from the feed. Not the definition. Proof the fight is real.
- Gary Stevenson, a former trader, gained viral fame for economic takes, but faced criticism for confusing basic concepts like income vs. assets, highlighting the gap between persona and expertise.
- Mike Tyson observed that 'social media made y'all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it,' pointing to the performative boldness of online characters.
- The 'Online Disinhibition Effect' describes how anonymity and lack of immediate consequence on platforms embolden users to act out of character, a feature that fuels the 'Age of the Character' rather than a bug.
- Episode: Kisin Exposes Gary Stevenson: The 'Age of Character' Corrupts Economic Debate (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L5D17ZiabA)
- You don't have to play to the audience, you just have to play to *your* audience.
Related
Sources
FAQ
How does the Age of the Character affect political discourse?
It shifts focus from policy and substance to personality clashes and viral soundbites, making it harder for voters to assess genuine leadership or complex issues.
Is this a new phenomenon, or just amplified by the internet?
While showmanship has always existed, digital platforms now provide unprecedented reach and direct financial rewards for cultivating a compelling, often exaggerated, persona, accelerating the trend.
What's the risk of falling for a 'character'?
The risk is basing your understanding of complex topics on entertainment value rather than verifiable facts, leaving you vulnerable to manipulation and poorly informed decisions.